Molotov cocktail hurled at Jerusalem court; none hurt

Firebomb hits stairs leading to guard’s post; structure sustains minor damage; minister calls incident terror attack against democracy

By ToI Staff 2 November 2015, 10:45 am

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The Jerusalem District Court building (Screen capture: Google Maps)

A Molotov cocktail was hurled at a guard post outside the district court building in East Jerusalem on Monday morning.

There were no injuries but the firebomb caused minor damage. The device hit the stairs leading up to the guard post and not the structure itself.

The attack occurred at a court on Salah-a-Din street outside the Old City of the capital. It was not immediately clear if the attack was criminally or nationalistically motivated.

Firefighters were called to the scene to douse the flames.

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A judge from the court came out of the building to examine the guard post several moments after the attack, Israel Radio reported.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked termed the firebombing a terrorist attack on democracy.

“Terrorism seeks to harm not only the innocent but also the symbols of democracy and equality in our country,” she said, according to the Walla news site.

“The terrorists think that harming symbols of government and sovereignty in Jerusalem will deter us. The court in Jerusalem is a symbol of justice, equality and coexistence in Jerusalem and will stay as such despite the wishes of those seeking to sow destruction and hatred.”